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White Crane Kung Fu go abroad

By Wang Yuke ( chinadaily.com.cn )

Updated: 2015-11-08

The White Crane Kung Fu that originates from Yongchun County of Fujian Province is not only practiced by local folks, but also has become a cult beyond China.

Since it was recognized as an intangible cultural heritage in 2008, the White Crane Martial Art has got more high-profile exposure by local government and media. But the influence of the art form is not confined to Yongchun County where it has its roots. Its reputation and popularity have extended to foreign countries "thanks to many overseas Chinese businessmen (born in Yongchun) brought the indigenous art along with them abroad," said Kang Jinyi, president of the Yongchun Zhong Xiang White Crane Research Institute.

The White Crane Martial Art boasts 300 years. Its real origin is unknown, but the legend goes that it was created by Fang Chee-niang whose father began to teach her martial art in her tender years. It is said that one day she was weaving cloth in a temple. A crane whooped down suddenly, so she threw a shuttle box to it. But the crane agilely leapfrogged the box. Then she tossed a measuring ruler which was deflected by the crane. Fang began to contemplate incorporating the crane movement to her martial art routines. Hence, the creation of the White Crane Kung Fu.

More and more people at home and abroad get to know about the martial art by word of mouth. "We would receive hundreds of people every year, primarily from Italy, Germany, France, Hungary, Britain, and Japan, going to great lengths to come here only to get an intensive training by our masters. Summer vacation is a peak time," said Kang. He introduced that schools can provide accommodation to some of those foreign students who are willing to fork out RMB 5,000 for the whole experience. Fujian government has been aware of the preservation and development of the martial art by providing financial incentives and organizing performance on international stage. More than 20 institutions have been established in Yongchun which would recruit young fresh practitioners every year. The art was also added to the curriculums of local primary and secondary schools in order to expose this unique culture to young generations.

Quanzhou, as the host city of the 14th Asian Cultural Festival this year, seizes the opportunity to promote this art form to broader public. At the Global White Crane Kung Fu Gala held at Yongchun White Crane Square on 8 November, local practitioners presented all kinds of performance to the audience. Besides, foreign practitioners who stood out in the international White Crane martial art contest were awarded. The gold medal winner, who was a Londoner but immigrated to Fuzhou in 2001, had practiced the art for eight years.

White Crane Kung Fu go abroad

The Global White Crane Kung Fu Gala is held at Yongchun White Crane Square in Yongchun, Fujian province on 8 November. [Photo by Hu Meidong/chinadaily.com.cn] 

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